Aadhaar Card

'Aadhaar', is a twelve digit unique identification number for the identification of each and every individual in the country, issued by Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on behalf of the government of India. The number linked to the basic demographics and biometric information like photograph, photo print of the ten fingerprints and the iris etc of each individual, collected to establish uniqueness of individual, will be stored in a centralized database. This card is used as an identity and address proof for every individual including infants, anywhere in India. Each Aadhaar number will be unique to an individual and will remain valid for life. The centralized technology infrastructure of the UIDAI will enable 'anytime, anywhere, anyhow' authentication.

Features and Benefits:

• Aadhaar identification will have 'Universality' and will over time become the single source of identity verification. Residents would be spared the hassle of repeatedly providing supporting identity documents each time they wish to access services such as obtaining a bank account, passport, ration card, driving license and so on.

• By providing a clear proof of identity, Aadhaar will also facilitate entry for poor and underprivileged residents into the formal banking system and the opportunity to avail services provided by the government and the private sector.

• It will enable financial inclusion with deeper penetration of banks, insurance and easy distribution of benefits of government schemes.

• The Aadhaar number, since it's a portable identification/proof of address that can be regularly updated by the individual and used nationally, is a powerful tool for migrants to access services and benefits. So Aadhaar will give migrants mobility of identity.

How can we apply?

Aadhaar enrolment is free, you can go to any authorized Aadhaar enrollment center anywhere in India with your proof of Identity (POI) and proof of address (POA) documents. Photo ID cards like PAN card and Govt ID cards are permissible for identity proof. Address proof documents also include water- electricity- telephone bills from the last three months. Common proofs of identity and address are election photo ID card, Ration card, passport and driving license. 

Even if you or someone in your family does not have valid documents, you can still enroll. If the head of the household has relevant documents, he/she can first enroll and then introduce others in the family while they are enrolling. If even the head of household has no documents, you may take the help of Introducers available at the enrolment center. You need to enroll only once. Enrolling again is a waste of your time as you will get only one Aadhaar number. Making Aadhaar card is Voluntary

Procedure

At the enrollment center, each individual has to fill his/her personal details in the application form. Along with the application form, one has to bring a document supporting your proof of Identity (POI) as well as the proof of address (POA). (List of supporting documents which can be submitted is given in the table below). Your proof of Identity (POI) and proof of address (POA) will be verified by the enrollment officer.

 Then your photo, finger-prints and iris scan will be taken as a part of the enrollment. You can review the details you have provided and make corrections during enrolment itself. You will get an acknowledgment slip with a temporary enrolment number and other details captured during enrolment. Based on the information provided, your details will be verified centrally. If your application is successful, an Aadhaar number will be generated and mailed to your address normally within 60 to 90 days.

For any Enquiries, contact :

UIDAI Helpline 
Telephone – 1800-180-1947 
Fax – 080-2353 1947 
Letters – PO Box 1947, GPO Bangalore - 560001 
Email - help@uidai.gov.in 

List of supporting documents which can be submitted for enrollment